[The short-term effects of air pollution on mortality. The results of the EMECAM project in Vitoria-Gasteiz, 1990-94. Estudio Multicéntrico Español sobre la Relación entre la Contaminación Atmosférica y la Mortalidad]. / Efectos a corto plazo de la contaminación atmosférica sobre la mortalidad. Resultados del proyecto EMECAM en Vitoria-Gasteiz, 1990-94.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this article is that of assessing the short-term relationship between the black smoke (SM) and SO2 levels and the mortality in Vitoria-Gasteiz over a five-year period by means of employing the procedure for analysis standardized in the EMECAM Project. METHODS: Ecological time series study aimed at estimating the relationship between the daily fluctuations in the mortality (total mortality of all ages and total death rate for those over age 70) and air pollution (sulfur dioxide-SO2 and black smoke), employing the Poisson regression models. The EMECAM methodology was followed. RESULTS: The median of daily deaths was three for the entire population and two for the elderly. The mean black smoke level was 51.15 micrograms/m3 and that of SO2 18.04 micrograms/m3. A statistically significant relationship was found to exist between black smoke and the mortality for the elderly through the cold half of the year, with an RR of 1.014 (CI95%: 1.002-1.026), pertinent to a 10 micrograms/m3 rise in the pollutant. A threshold at 80-90 micrograms/m3 seemed to be detected for black smoke. The relationship with SO2 was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The black smoke levels for the period studied are related to a rise in the mortality among the elderly, tallying with the results of other studies.

[Investigation of a water-borne Salmonella ohio outbreak]. / Investigación de un brote de origen hídrico por Salmonella ohio.

BACKGROUND: The genus Salmonella is one of the main causes of foodborne and waterborne illness worldwide. It is a major public health concern almost entirely due to S. enteritidis. However, outbreaks caused by Salmonella ohio are rare. We have not found any reference about salmonellosis by S. ohio whose origin was water of a drinking fountain. METHODS: An epidemiological survey was carried out to investigate the origin of the outbreak, and information was sought on personal details, symptoms, contact with others who had ill as well as a history of eating. Fecal specimens and water samples were cultured for bacterial pathogens including Salmonella. Salmonella isolates obtained were characterized by stereotyping. RESULTS: A total of 101 persons were exposed. 87 of these were interviewed, but only 59 of these were affected (attack rate: 67.8%), including 56 children and 3 adults. Syndrome was not severe, in general, persisting for a period of 2 days, in average. S. ohio was isolated from the water and from 2 of the 13 stool specimens analysed. CONCLUSIONS: The outbreak was caused by consumption of water from a drinking fountain which was contaminated by S. ohio. This fountain had not a chlorination system. An outbreak due to S. ohio whose origin is the consumption of water from a drinking fountain is described for the first time in this paper. It can be concluded the importance of keeping a good epidemiological control system to investigate and prevent outbreaks. The control of drinking fountains is also important, to prevent its contamination.

[The incidence rate of tuberculosis in health care in Alava during 1990-1993]. / Incidencia de tuberculosis en el Area Sanitaria de Alava en el período 1990-1993.

BACKGROUND: Study of the incidence and change the number of cases of tuberculosis within the Alava Medical Care Area from 1990-1993 and comparison with reported cases. METHOD: Active research of tuberculosis cases diagnosed in hospitals located in the Area. All cases reported to the Epidemiological Unit of the Alava Territorial Health Delegation via the System of Compulsory Declaration of Diseases (EDO) were also included. RESULTS: 756 cases of tuberculosis were detected, representing an average incidence of 69.4 cases/100,0000 inhabitants. There was an increase from 57.3 in 1990 to 86.6 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 1993, in particular amongst people over the age of 80. People under the age of 20 not only showed the lowest rate (7.1 cases/100,000 inhabitants) but also remained stable over the period analysed. The greatest number of cases were males (71.3%) aged from 20-39 (48.9%). 22% of all cases were patients suffering from AIDS. The annual increase in the total number of patients was 23.3% as opposed to 12.3% of AIDS patients. A deficient level of declaration was observed over the 4 year period, gradually decreasing from 28.9% in 1991 to 16.9% in 1993. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of cases of tuberculosis within the Alava Medical Care Area is extremely high, showing an increasing trend during the period not covered by EDOs, which should be confirmed by a study carried out over a longer period of time.

Q fever: prevalence of antibodies to Coxiella burnetii in the Basque country.

The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection in the Basque population. To this end a stratified sampling was carried out taking as a criterion the size of the population in a given area of residence. Residents in sparsely populated areas were found to have a prevalence of 38.5%, significantly greater than in highly populated areas (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.27 and OR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.09-2.30). The prevalence was significantly higher in males (36.3%) than in females (29%), and was found to increase significantly with age. Current or previous participation in activities relating to agriculture and/or livestock farming or even having contact with cattle, goats or sheep were also found to be risk factors for the infection. A fuller study of the determinants of chronic Q fever should be initiated.

[Infectious food poisoning in the Autonomous Basque Community (1984-1986)]. / Toxiinfecciones alimentarias en la Comunidad Autónoma Vasca (1984-1986).

The results of the study of 117 outbreaks of food poisoning in the Basque Autonomous Community during 1984-1986 are reported. In 76% of these outbreaks the causative agent could be isolated. Bacteria of the genus Salmonella accounted for 86.5% of the outbreaks with a known etiology, S. enteritidis being the most commonly found serotype. In 90% of the outbreaks caused by Salmonella, the transmission was by eggs or egg containing products. The features of food poisoning in the Basque Autonomous Community are discussed.